Organisers of the popular Bike Bath sportive have announced that entries for this year’s event, taking place on Sunday 5th July, are now open, with places already selling fast.
New for 2020, the event offers cyclists the opportunity to start and finish at Bath Recreation Ground or Frome Rugby Club and Devizes Sports Centre, where all cyclists will receive a medal and hot food at their respective event villages included in the ticket price.
This year, 1,000 cyclists will ride signposted rides of about 20, 50 or 80 miles from one of the 3 start locations around the Somerset and Wiltshire countryside, with refreshments supplied by local businesses available at all feed stations along the routes.
“The idea behind Bike Bath has always been to provide something for everyone,” said Richard Best, Event Director of Bike Bath.
“The short route was designed with families, new cyclists, and cycle-commuters looking to spend an enjoyable day trying out cycling for leisure in mind.
“For regular cyclists or those looking for something more adventurous, we have designed longer routes of around 50 and 80 miles to take in some of the more challenging lanes across Wiltshire’s countryside.
“We are delighted to offer cyclists our additional starts and finishes at Frome Rugby Rugby Club and Devizes Sports Centre.”
Local cycling club, VC Walcot, continues to lend their support to the Bike Bath team, with many members volunteering on the day and organising training rides to prepare new cyclists for the event.
This year, their supported charity, Dorothy House, is Bike Bath’s supported charity. As such, riders have the opportunity to donate at sign-up.
Over 20 other charities enter riders with the event raising significant funds.
Richard continued: “We provide a hassle-free package for corporate teams and charities looking to offer sponsored places to employees and supporters.
“Last year, our riders supported 18 separate charities both individually and through charity-organised entry.
“We’d encourage any businesses and charities looking to support their employees and sponsored riders to get fit or raise money to get in touch.”
This year Bath Recreation are supporting the ride and CEO John Flinn commented: “Bike Bath has become a key event in our calendar and provides a fantastic opportunity for people to enjoy riding from the City through the surrounding beautiful countryside.
“We are delighted to support the event to reach out to more people and promote positive lifestyles through active recreation.”
Mark Harrison, Community Sport Manager at GLL, another of our supporters, added: “This is exciting news for Bath and the region.
“In an Olympic year, sport is already high on the agenda and we hope to inspire even more people to get into cycling helped by our cycle track at Odd Down Sports Ground which provides the perfect place for riders of all abilities to train in a traffic free environment.
“The Bike Bath event reflects our ambition to make community services and spaces better for everyone. This is part of our commitment to a healthy Bath and beyond.”
Prospective riders can find out more about Bike Bath and sign up through www.bikebath.co.uk.